What are the rights of property owners whose land borders a river or stream referred to as?

The rights of property owners whose land borders a river or stream are referred to as riparian rights. These rights are based on the principle that both land and water are owned by the property owner and provide specific entitlements regarding the access and use of the waterbody adjacent to their land. This typically includes the right to use the water for purposes such as irrigation, domestic use, and recreation, while also being subject to certain limitations in order to preserve the rights of other riparian owners.

Understanding riparian rights is essential for property owners as it delineates their legal entitlements connected to water use. Such rights are typically governed by state laws, which may vary in terms of how they balance the users' rights against each other and the ecological health of the waterway.

The other options relate to different legal concepts. Restrictive covenants involve limitations on the use of property to maintain certain standards or characteristics within a neighborhood or development. Easement rights pertain to the right to use another person's property for a specific purpose, such as a path or utility access. Emblements refer specifically to crops cultivated by a tenant that are entitled to the tenant upon lease termination. Each of these concepts operates within separate legal frameworks and does not specifically address the rights associated with